Tractor-trailer driver dies in Polk County wreck

Published: Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 4:21 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 4:21 p.m.

A tractor-trailer driver died Wednesday after he was ejected from the vehicle as it overturned on I-26 in Polk County at mile marker 62.

James Dickson, 75, of Lawrenceburg, Ind. was traveling 75 mph in a 65 mph zone in the westbound lanes at about 1 p.m. when he went off the right side of the road, over-corrected and came back onto the road, said N.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. B.E. Hipp.

The tractor-trailer went off the right side of the road again, struck a tree and turned on its side. Dickson, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and died at the scene, Hipp said.

The westbound lanes were closed until about 7:30 p.m. No other vehicles were involved. The tractor-trailer was hauling large plastic pallets.

Dickson's death marks the ninth fatality the Highway Patrol's Troop G District III (Henderson, Transylvania and Polk counties) has handled since late June, Hipp said.

<p>A tractor-trailer driver died Wednesday after he was ejected from the vehicle as it overturned on I-26 in Polk County at mile marker 62. </p><p>James Dickson, 75, of Lawrenceburg, Ind. was traveling 75 mph in a 65 mph zone in the westbound lanes at about 1 p.m. when he went off the right side of the road, over-corrected and came back onto the road, said N.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. B.E. Hipp. </p><p>The tractor-trailer went off the right side of the road again, struck a tree and turned on its side. Dickson, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and died at the scene, Hipp said. </p><p>The westbound lanes were closed until about 7:30 p.m. No other vehicles were involved. The tractor-trailer was hauling large plastic pallets. </p><p>Dickson's death marks the ninth fatality the Highway Patrol's Troop G District III (Henderson, Transylvania and Polk counties) has handled since late June, Hipp said.</p>